OR Senate: DeFazio Won't Challenge Smith

[InsideTheBeltway]

http://blog.oregonlive.com/politics/2007/04/defazio_will_not_run_for_senat.html

One of the few who could resist Chuck Schumer...

[Adlai Stevenson]

I am surprised if this is the case - DeFazio wanted to run in 1995 and 2002, but now when he has his best opportunity he elects not to.  Smith's chances of re-election just became better; however the DSCC will probably now attempt to go after former Governor John Kitzhaber or may encourage Congressman Earl Blumenauer to run.  Blumenauer is more liberal than DeFazio and thus less of a threat to Smith, nevertheless Oregon is a left-
leaning Democratic state and the election is in a Presidential year - so a Smith vs. Blumenauer race would be competetive. 

[Keystone Phil]

Wow. That's a huge sigh of relief you just heard from the GOP. I'm still worried about this seat though. I just have this feeling that Smith is going to suffer from some serious backlash against the GOP. If Blumenauer and Westlund pass on a run, I'd say that this is a slight lean GOP seat.

[Smash255]

Wow. That's a huge sigh of relief you just heard from the GOP. I'm still worried about this seat though. I just have this feeling that Smith is going to suffer from some serious backlash against the GOP. If Blumenauer and Westlund pass on a run, I'd say that this is a slight lean GOP seat.

The rumors about the club for growth primary challenge could also hurt him if it becomes true.  Especially if its a serious challenge which leaves him a bit bloodied and most of all costly.

[Keystone Phil]

Wow. That's a huge sigh of relief you just heard from the GOP. I'm still worried about this seat though. I just have this feeling that Smith is going to suffer from some serious backlash against the GOP. If Blumenauer and Westlund pass on a run, I'd say that this is a slight lean GOP seat.

The rumors about the club for growth primary challenge could also hurt him if it becomes true.  Especially if its a serious challenge which leaves him a bit bloodied and most of all costly.

That would hurt Smith but he'd obviously win. I don't see the challenge being all that serious.

[Smash255]

Wow. That's a huge sigh of relief you just heard from the GOP. I'm still worried about this seat though. I just have this feeling that Smith is going to suffer from some serious backlash against the GOP. If Blumenauer and Westlund pass on a run, I'd say that this is a slight lean GOP seat.

The rumors about the club for growth primary challenge could also hurt him if it becomes true.  Especially if its a serious challenge which leaves him a bit bloodied and most of all costly.

That would hurt Smith but he'd obviously win. I don't see the challenge being all that serious.

I'm not saying he wouldn't win the Primary (he likely would) but due to the amount of $$ the Club for Growth is capable of spending against him in the primary, it could cause Smith to spend much more in the Primary as well leaving him with less $$ for the General

[Keystone Phil]

Wow. That's a huge sigh of relief you just heard from the GOP. I'm still worried about this seat though. I just have this feeling that Smith is going to suffer from some serious backlash against the GOP. If Blumenauer and Westlund pass on a run, I'd say that this is a slight lean GOP seat.

The rumors about the club for growth primary challenge could also hurt him if it becomes true.  Especially if its a serious challenge which leaves him a bit bloodied and most of all costly.

That would hurt Smith but he'd obviously win. I don't see the challenge being all that serious.

I'm not saying he wouldn't win the Primary (he likely would) but due to the amount of $$ the Club for Growth is capable of spending against him in the primary, it could cause Smith to spend much more in the Primary as well leaving him with less $$ for the General

I understand. I have a feeling that the Club is going to pass on this race but even if they do run someone, it won't be that serious.

[Adlai Stevenson]

The most likely candidate for a Primary challenge to Smith is Bill Sizemore - and there probably is a conservative grassroots statewide who resent Smith; Sizemore would be well-funded and supported enough to get up to 25% I think.  Obviously Smith would be damaged; it would either force him to the right meaning that he would be compromised in the general election or be a financial drain on his campaign.  On a different note, I think Blumenauer will now be the Democratic candidate. 

[WalterMitty]

im glad to hear this news.  smith is one of my favorite senators.